Gazette’s Halloween Parade began as the Gazette’s Ghouls Gone Wild Parade in 2007, with almost 20,000 spectators and 64 entries. Last year, the parade boasted more than 55,000 in attendance, with almost 100 entries and more than 2,000 participants and 300 volunteers.
Although the March of 1,000 Skeletons was an integral part of the previous parades, The Flaming Lips’ busy schedule of live performances and Wayne Coyne’s newly opened Womb art gallery has resulted in a temporary leave of absence from this year’s festivities. Parade organizers look forward to our state’s ambassadors of psychedelia joining us again after sharing their creativity with the rest of the world, and perhaps conjuring up new concepts for the parade.
GET INVOLVED
Gazette’s Halloween Parade has been recognized by Creative Oklahoma Inc. as a “Great Inspiration” in setting an example of stimulating creative thought and action in Oklahoma. The community rallies around the event, as merchants and restaurant owners along the parade route in Midtown and Automobile Alley engage spectators before and after the parade with open houses and special events.
This year, the parade will start downtown at N.E. Third Street and E.K. Gaylord Boulevard, run through Automobile Alley and then end in Midtown at N.W. 12th Street and Walker Avenue. This is same route as the past parades, just in reverse. The trail of terror rolls into action at 7 p.m., just as darkness falls.
There are numerous ways to participate in this celebration. For $25, you can enter as a walking group, marching band or bicycle rider. For $50, you can enter a float, car, motorcycle or anything on wheels. Not wanting to be a participant, but still want to be a part of the fun? Consider volunteering.
Check out all the details on the 2011 Gazette’s Halloween Parade at okgazetteparade.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, too!
